FAQs

How is the procedure performed?

Yttrium-90 is delivered through a small plastic tube, called a catheter, which is placed into a small artery in the groin. The Interventional Radiologist will advance the catheter into the branch of the liver artery that feeds the tumor. Millions of microspheres will be delivered through the catheter and are trapped in the small blood vessels that feed the tumor releasing radiation that is delivered directly to the tumor, sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.

Do I still need systemic chemotherapy?

Liver cancer is different in each patient. Thus, each patient's treatment plan must be individualized for the best results. This means that multiple forms of treatment may be used to treat your cancer. Our Interventional Oncologists will work directly with your primary medical Oncologist in determining an ideal treatment plan for you.

How soon after the treatment can I go home?

Radioembolization is an outpatient treatment that offers patients a less-toxic treatment option compared with traditional chemotherapy and external radiation. The treatment is also ideal for patients with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. Since the radiation poses little danger to others, there's no need for patients to be isolated in the hospital. Patients may interact with family and friends immediately after the treatment and are typically discharged the same day of treatment.

What are the side effects of the treatment?

When an experienced Interventional Radiologist at Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center performs Radioembolization, patients should not have any serious side effects from the procedure. The most common side effect is fatigue for the first one or two weeks following the treatment. Other side effects that are typically related to systemic chemotherapy such as hair loss, nausea, and vomiting do not typically occur.

Will my insurance cover this procedure?

Medicare and most insurance companies generally cover the cost of Radioembolization procedures. Our caring and knowledgeable staff will work with each patient to ensure that the entire process is carefree. Improving the quality of your health and life with our innovative treatments is our primary goal.